Welcome to the mighty River Spey in Scotland.
If you're new to the channel, my name is Eze (short for Ezequiel) and my passion is outdoor adventure.
Join us on this three-day canoe camping expedition as we brave some rainy and cold weather in November. With river levels quite high, the flow was fast and margin for error low. Avoiding strainers and sweepers was part of the adventure as we hoped to avoid going for a swim...
With Paulie ( @WhenNaturePauls ) and Fred sharing the hot tent, I relied on my hammock for a quality night's sleep under the tarp, falling asleep to the sound of the falling rain.
With wood processed, the stove fired up, gorgeous 3 star Michelin meals cooked by Paul - we had everything we needed. Add some cards, a banter filled atmosphere and you're on to a winner.
Passing through the Cairngorms mountains, this majestic river is a delightful paddle.
So, hop on to our canoe and let's go for a paddle!
My river trip notes FYI:
3 Day trip approx. 70km to Spey Bay (Grantown put in). Level approx. 1.1-1.2m at Aberlour. River was swift, good pace. Some strainers and snags evasion necessary but nothing too drastic. Some big haystacks / wave trains on some unexpected rapids! We were getting a lot of water in with Fred at the bow, but much less when we switched, and he took the stern. Washing machine and Knockando straight forward.
Weather cold, rainy a bit windy. Highs of 7c, lows of 4c. Sunny on the last day.
GEAR THAT I USE & TRUST:
Sleep & Camp:
Tent - Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 20D Grey - amzn.to/3tzNNXk
Sleeping Pad - Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm - amzn.to/3xpOVhw
Pump Tiny 2X - amzn.to/48TuE5W
Fold Foam Pad - Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL - amzn.to/3xncjw9
Sleeping Bag (Comfort 5c) - Thermarest Questar 32 - amzn.to/39s6yoX
Sleeping Bag (Comfort -2c) - Rab Ascent 700 - amzn.to/3xiMVYk
Biivy Bag -Alpkit Hunka XL amzn.to/43mplbP
Trekology Pillow: amzn.to/3kPWqvT
Nemo Filo Pillow: amzn.to/3mo9Gbv
Tarp (Heavier) - DD Tarp 3x3 - amzn.to/3xaVIvX
Tarp Lightweight - DD SuperLight 3m x 2.9m - amzn.to/3ty5wyD
Tools & Fishing:
Knife - Mora Outdoor Companion 860 - amzn.to/3tCfDlR
Saw - Bahco Laplander Folding Saw - amzn.to/3aYd6fv
Fishing Rod - QudraKast Fishing Rod - amzn.to/3xjlXQ8
Fishing Reel - Piscifun Flame Spinning Ultra Smooth - amzn.to/3xocOpz
Cooking:
Water Filter - SAWYER Squeeze - amzn.to/3xueDl7
Stove - MSR PocketRocket Deluxe -
Titanium Pot - Lixada Titanium Cup 750ml - amzn.to/39uKGZX
Cookware Kit - Aitsite Cookware Kit Aluminum Lightweight - amzn.to/3tznCAe
Wood Stove / Bushbox - Lixada Camping Wood Stove - amzn.to/40rBDO9
Filming:
Drone - DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo - amzn.to/3MOsZSE
iPhone 13 Pro 512GB - amzn.to/3mHR2bl
GoPro - HERO8 Black - amzn.to/3txbEa4
GoPro Windscreen - Foam Windslayer Housing Case - amzn.to/3Oe5oMm
GoPro Clamp - amzn.to/3aScJmp
GoPro Dual Battery Charger - amzn.to/3xp57zu
Go Pro Chest Mount - amzn.to/3HlUh1L
Head Harness - Amazon Basics Head Strap - amzn.to/3zBOO5g
Tripod Main - K&F Concept 64” Compact Light Aluminium Tripod - amzn.to/3NQ8K8I
Tripod iPhone Adapter - Woohot 360 Degree Rotation - amzn.to/3MOZ7pw
Electronics:
Garmin InReach Mini - amzn.to/3aYinnj
Battery Bank - Anker PowerCore 20100 - 20000mAh - amzn.to/3O57L4N
Charging Cable (Lightning) - Anker 1ft - amzn.to/3HhVJlS
Headtorch - amzn.to/3zBfDGD
Thermometer - amzn.to/3HhVJlS
Solar Panel - amzn.to/3qFEs2d
Clothing:
Muck Boots (Knee length) - Arctic Sport - amzn.to/3QhrkYV
Boots Hiking - Scarpa Men’s Terra GTX - amzn.to/3mHwjVc
Lifejacket - amzn.to/3OesgLG
Socks (Waterproof) - SEALSKINZ Cold Weather - amzn.to/3HlVXsb
Socks (Merino Wool) - amzn.to/3tW52Td
Other:
Barrel 30l - amzn.to/3yzXd72
Barrel 60l - amzn.to/3z8kUon
Folding Water Bucket / Organiser for Barrel - amzn.to/3Tceihp
Arteesol Dry Bag: amzn.to/3GeTsZC
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adven...
License code: DX34FGYKWJIGDTVU